Pilot Breathes Easier, For Now

February 26, 1986|By Jim Talley, Business Writer

The past 60 days or so have been rough for Erik and Sue Jensen of Pompano Beach.

She, a teacher, had to have surgery on her knee about three weeks ago after a Christmas Eve skiing accident in Salt Lake City. He, an Eastern Airlines pilot for 13 years, just had his company sold to a man famous for busting unions. In between, they and their two teen-age children have been girding for a strike that, for now, has been averted.

Some shots may still be fired. But for now, all`s quiet on the front -- and that, they say, is good.

There`s a contract settlement in place with Eastern`s pilots, and Frank Lorenzo -- Texas Air Corp.`s union-breaking chairman, who agreed to buy Eastern over the weekend -- has said all Eastern contracts will be honored. For the Jensens and other Eastern families, that brings some semblance of relief: Next week, the couple plans to repay the $4,000 credit union loan lined up to weather a storm. Ruminations of where to move if the house had to be sold are being shelved.

``I feel there`s a future, even with Lorenzo,`` Erik said. ``If Lorenzo is in fact a union-buster it`s going to be tough for him, because the pilots are united now. But I hope he`s a businessman and we`ll get along and have a profitable company for a change.``

With both Eastern`s new owner and union leaders using diplomacy at the outset, such hopes may be realized. But if there is a calm for the Jensens now after some unsettling weeks, confidence is far from high point. ``I`m not quitting my job,`` Sue said. It`s a position she took at Fort Lauderdale`s Christ Church School to ensure their standard of living was maintained.

Problems remain. The government may still block the Texas Air deal for anti- trust reasons. Lorenzo`s Continental Airlines is receiving close scrutiny as airline experts and members of Congress charge the carrier gets preferential treatment from the Federal Aviation Administration in its prosecution of safety violations. And harsh Continental-style work rules could still be imposed, provoking more labor strife at Eastern.

But the Jensens seem cautiously optimistic. ``Scabs broke the union at Continental,`` Erik said, adding that Eastern`s pilots union ``won`t allow it to become a sweat shop.`` He asserts he`ll find another job before compromising safety for passengers or himself.

Solidarity is running high, they say, whether within the pilots` union or their family. Eastern`s pilots have circled their wagons tightly within the past month, and friends and associates are supportive. The owners of Dance Dimensions in Oakland Park, for example, where 17-year-old Jennifer studies ballet, jazz and tap steps, recently granted a full scholarship on lessons ``until things blow over.``

There are, however, inklings of a struggle still about the house, both unseen and tangible. The couple mentions the ``scorched airwaves`` from Sue`s prayers. A strike poster in the dining room reads, ``It`s not over til the fat lady sings.`` Erik points to the placards and refers to both a dashed dream and bruised ego.

``I`m a professional,`` he said, ``and I`m out there carrying a sign.``